MX2013008496A - Pasteurisation tunnel and pasteurisation method for beverage containers. - Google Patents

Abstract

A pasteurization tunnel and a method for pasteurizing beverage packs are described, wherein the beverage packs are conveyed on at least two decks lying one upon the other and sprayed with a heated spraying liquid from spraying pipes extending each transversely to the conveying direction of the beverage packs. According to the invention, the spraying liquid is guided through the spraying pipes of the one deck into the spraying pipes of the other deck. Thereby, the maintenance efforts for removing deposits in sections of the spraying pipes where the flow is weak can be reduced.

Description

PASTEURIZATION TUNNEL AND PASTEURIZATION METHOD FOR BEVERAGE PACKAGING DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY The invention relates to a pasteurization tunnel according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for the pasteurization of beverage packaging according to the preamble of claim 10.

The pasteurization tunnels known to be used for pasteurizing filled products, where filled containers, for example bottles, cans or other beverage packaging, are transported on a conveyor belt through the pasteurization tunnel and simultaneously are treated from above by spraying them with a hot liquid, in particular hot water. To increase the performance of the machine, it is also known to accommodate several similar tunnel treatment platforms: pasteurization one over the other to divide the product stream: in parallel to several partial streams of product that are essentially treated in the same way.

In a preferred variant of the known pasteurization tunnels, the products to be pasteurized are sprayed from above by means of spray tubes arranged transversely to the transport direction of the products. The spray tubes are closed at one end and are connected at the other end to a supply duct common for the spray liquid. In this way, the spray tubes are each connected in parallel with respect to the flow of the spray liquid. With such a multi-level parallel connection of the treatment platforms, uniform treatment conditions can be obtained on all treatment platforms.

However, one problem is that at the end of the respective spray tubes, in the last flow paths behind the nozzle that was in each case the last to be reached by the flow, the sediments accumulate which can decrease or even clog the spray nozzles of the spray tubes so that the amount of discharge discharged from the respective spray tube can not be kept uniform for all spray tubes and treatment platforms. Therefore, such sediments should be removed regularly through the access openings at the end of the spray tubes. A further problem here is that a plurality of such access openings must be provided which sometimes hinder access due to the multi-level construction of such pasteurization tunnels. Due to its construction, all the treatment platforms are in this respect essentially equally susceptible to problems. The inspection of the spray during the operation is correspondingly complex.

Therefore, there is a demand for pasteurization tunnels and corresponding pasteurization methods where the frequency of faults due to sediment in the spray pipes and thus Efforts to inspect and clean individual spray tubes can be reduced.

The stated objective is achieved with a pasteurization tunnel according to claim 1. Accordingly, in the pasteurization tunnel according to the invention, at least a first and a second platform are provided with spray tubes that extend transversely to each other. the direction of transport of the products to be pasteurized, in such a way that the spray tubes of the first platform are connected in series connection with the spray tubes of the second platform to guide a spray liquid through the first platform to the second platform.

The series connection is achieved in particular in such a way that the last flow paths in the spray tubes of the first platform are avoided. In this way, sediments can also be avoided in the region of the first platform. In consecuense, access openings in the region of the first platform are available. In other words, in the pasteurization tunnel according to the invention, it is sufficient only to verify the last flow paths on the second platform or on the last platform in the direction of flow, and to remove there the sediments possibly present through of an access opening. Accordingly, the efforts for inspection and cleaning of the spray tubes of the pasteurization tunnel according to the invention can be clearly reduced compared to the prior art. The last Flow paths are defined, for example, as the region behind the spray nozzle that was the last to be reached by the flow.

Preferably, the cross section of the duct of the spray tubes connected in series is larger in the first platform than in the second platform. In addition to the spray liquid discharged by the nozzles of the first platform, the spray liquid required for the second platform can thus also be transported through the spray tubes of the first platform. In this way, the cross section of the duct increased in the first platform allows, despite the volume flow added for the second platform, the equivalent dynamic pressure conditions in the nozzles of the first platform and the second platform. With which, the pouring amounts of the spray liquid in the first and second platforms can be matched.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, several serial connections are provided along the transport direction! in particular so that exactly one spray tube of the first platform is connected with exactly one spray tube of the second platform. Such series connections can be made particularly easily and are particularly reliable. In particular, a direct connection in series of the spray tubes without parallel branches allows reproducible volume flows through the respective spray tubes so that the probability of undesired sediments [which occur can be particularly effectively reduced. However, in general it would also be conceivable to combine, for example, two or three spray tubes of the first platform arranged one after the other on the outlet side in a parallel connection and to provide a connection tube common to the second platform. There, the connecting tube could in turn branch to an equal number of parallel spray tubes. The cross section of the connecting tube conduit could then be selected to be correspondingly large to avoid undesired pressure losses.

In particular, the spray tubes one above the other can be connected in series. This allows a particularly simple arrangement of the conduits. An individual series connection in this way preferably comprises all the spray tubes one on the other of the platforms in the pasteurization tunnel. Although it is advantageous to connect all the sprer tubes of the pasteurization tunnel through a series connection through the platforms, this is not mandatory; For example, the individual treatment sections along the conveyor could be connected in the described series connection, while other treatment sections along the conveyor are not connected. Depending on the task of the treatment, any combination of the sprer tubes connected in series and the spray tubes connected in parallel is conceivable.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the second platform is placed on the first platform. In this way, a conduit of supply for the spray liquid can be provided in the region of the lower platform. Accordingly, the inspection and cleaning of the second platform can be carried out in an easily accessible upper section of the pasteurization tunnel.

Preferably, the number of nozzles per spray tube is greater in the respective upper platform than in the respective lower platform. Since in the respective upper platform, the geodetic pressure prevails lower than in the respective lower platform, an amount of pouring per individual nozzle that is smaller due to the lower geodetic pressure in the upper platform can be compensated by increasing the number of nozzles by spray tube in comparison with the respective lower platform.

Preferably, the number of nozzles per spray tube and / or the distances between the nozzles of the individual spray tubes coincide to compensate for a geodetic pressure differential between the first and second platforms, in particular in such a way that the pouring amounts of the Spray liquid do not deviate from an average value of the amount of spill in all spray tubes by more than 10% in particular more than 5%.

Thus, for all the platforms and / or spray tubes, an essentially equivalent pasteurization of the beverage packages passing through can be ensured. It could be compensated in the same way, by the number of nozzles per spray tube and / or the distances of, the respective nozzles, a distance of the static pressure between the individual platforms. Since the different heights of the individual processing platforms are constant and known, the respective pouring amount of the individual platforms can be matched in a simple manner.

A particularly advantageous embodiment further comprises at least one inspection port, inspection flap or the like provided in the region of the second platform for visual inspection of spray. With this, the quality of treatment can be assured in a simple way. Inspection cameras in the region of the second platform would also be conceivable. However, a visual inspection of the spray in the region of the first platform can be eliminated.

Preferably, the spray tubes of the second platform comprise an access opening accessible from the outside at their rear ends in the direction of flow, in particular in the last flow paths behind the last respective nozzle that the flow reaches. The access opening closes during the operation of:. túnjs'l! of pasteurization. For this, a suitable cover is provided, which may include, for example, a window. In particular, the last flow paths are intended to be a region in which the energy of the flow is lower than in the regions of the nozzles and the regions between the bógujll & s; It is intended that the access opening be an opening that allows sufficient access to the respective spray tube in order to maintain it and / or clean it A particularly advantageous embodiment further comprises at least one additional platform which is placed between the first and the second platform and whose spray tubes are inserted in series. Thus, for the additional platforms, the same advantages were described so that the first platform could also be reached. This means that due to the series connection, an inspection and / or cleaning of the spray pipes of the additional platforms is also dispensable. Accordingly, even in one embodiment of the pasteurization tunnel according to the invention having at least three levels, it is sufficient to inspect and / or clean the spray tubes each at the end of the series connection. Here, the individual platforms can be made by essentially identical tunnel modules that are stacked one on top of the other and differ only between themselves by the properties of the conduit described with respect to the first and second platforms. In particular, in multi-level pasteurization tunnels, too, the cross sections can be matched in steps from platform to platform. This is also true for the described adaptation of the number of spray nozzles per spray tube and / or the nozzle distances of the individual spray tubes. With such multi-level pasteurization tunnels, the performance of the machine can be further increased with a processing quality that is the same for all platforms.

The established objective is reached additionally with a method g of pasteurization according to claim 10. Accordingly, the beverage packages are transported in at least two treatment platforms placed one above the other and sprayed with a hot spray liquid from the spray tubes each extending transversely to the transport direction of the beverage packaging. According to the invention, the spray liquid is guided through the spray tubes of one treatment platform to the spray tubes of the other platform.

With the method according to the invention, any packaging, for example bottles, cans, cans or the like with a product to be pasteurized such as a beverage, another food product or the like, can be treated by heat. The method according to the invention in particular allows a processing quality that is equivalent for all platforms by providing similar pouring quantities on the individual platforms. By means of the spray liquid guided through at least one treatment platform, the sediments in the spray tubes of these treatment platforms can be reliably avoided. With this, the efforts of the inspection and cleaning of these platforms are reduced.

Preferably, the average control speed in the spray tubes is not greater than 5 m / s, in particular not greater than 4 m / s, whereby the dynamic pressure can be provided in the region of the nozzles for the desired spray .

Preferably, the average flow rate in the spray pipes between the platforms differs by no more than 20%, in particular by no more than 10%. This means that the method according to the invention allows on all platforms equally suitable dynamic pressures in the spray tubes to ensure uniform spraying on all platforms.

In a particularly advantageous variant of the method according to the invention, the cross sections of the spray tubes are further adapted to coincide with the respective dynamic pressures of the spray liquid in the nozzles of different platforms. In other words, the volume flows in the individual sections of the series connection are adapted so as to ensure both a supply of the respective descending spray tubes and an essentially uniform average volume flow. With this, the spray quality of the individual platforms can be matched particularly easily.

Preferably, in addition to the number of nozzles each provided by spray tube and / or the distances between the nozzles of the individual spray tubes coincide between the different platforms to compensate for the differences between the static and / or geodetic pressures of the spray liquid in the spraying tubes of the different platforms .. With this, the respective pouring amount of the individual platforms can be further matched. , ' Preferably, beverage packaging passes through the platforms as parallel partial product streams. In this way, the beverage packages are preferably treated in the same way on all platforms. Correspondingly, the method according to the invention is suitable for the high production performances required in the field of filling lines.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing. In the drawing: Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a two-level pasteurization tunnel; Y Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view in the pasteurization tunnel of Figure 1.

As can be seen in Figure 1, a two-tier embodiment of the inventive pasteurization tunnel 1 comprises a first lower platform 2 and a second upper platform 3, each for equally spraying the beverage packages 4 of the spray tubes 5, 6 associated with the platforms 2, 3. The spray tubes each comprise nozzles 7 of which a spray liquid 8, eg hot water, is discharged to the beverage packages 4 which passes under the spray tubes 5, 6 in a transport direction 9. As can be seen further in Figure 1, the spray tubes 5, '6 are provided transversely to the transport direction 9 of the beverage packaging 4. The beverage packaging 4 is in transporters 1; 0"1 1 moved in the same direction during pasteurization. These can designed as transport belts of known construction and therefore, are not illustrated in detail.

In the pasteurization tunnel 1 according to the invention, several transversely extending spray tubes 5, 6 are each provided on the platforms 2, 3 one behind the other in the transport direction 9. The spray tubes 5, 6 can be oriented essentially in parallel in a known manner. This is schematically indicated in Figure 2. However, in contrast the well-known devices only the spray tubes 5 of the first platform 2 branch off from a supply conduit 12. Accordingly, the latter extends inwards and outwards. of the projection plan in figure 1.

In Figure 1, the flows of the volume V1 to V4 of the spray liquid 8 are schematically indicated to illustrate a series connection through the platforms 2, 3 in the pasteurization tunnel 1 according to the invention. Therefore, the volume flow V1 designates the flow! of the volume of the total spray liquid 8 supplied to the pasteurization tunnel 1 by means of the supply conduit 12. From the supply conduit 12, the spray pipes 5 of the first lower platform 2 branch in parallel. In this way, the volume flow V1 is distributed to the respective partial volume flows V2 through the individual spray tubes 5 of the first platform 2. The partial volume flows V2 each serve to supply the tube nozzles 7; of respective spray 5 and the supply of subsequent spray pipes, in the example of a supply of the nozzles 7 of the spray pipe 6 of the second upper platform 3 respectively arranged above. V2 here designates the flow of the average volume through the spray tubes 5 of the first platform 2.

As can be seen in figure 1, the spray tubes 5 of the first platform 2 are connected to the spray tubes 6 of the second platform 3 by means of a connection conduit 13 each in series connection. In the connecting conduit 13, a flow of the volume V3 is flowing, which corresponds to the amount of the spray liquid 8 to be discharged by means of the nozzles 7 of the spray pipe 6. In the upper spray pipe 6 , there is a flow of the average volume V4.

To illustrate the operation of the pasteurization tunnel 1 according to the invention, an inlet section 5a and an outlet section 5b of the first spray tube 5 and an inlet section 6a and an end section 6b of the second spray tube 6 they are indicated schematically. The outlet section 5b of the first spray tube 5 preferably, but not necessarily, is directly connected; and without parallel ramification with the inlet region 6a of the second spray pipe 6. In this case, the volume flow of the spray liquid 8 in the inlet section 5b of the first spray pipe 5 and in the inlet section 6a of the second spray pipe 6 is identical and corresponds to the flow of volume V3 through connecting pipe 13.

The volume flow through the input section 5a of the The first spray tube 5 differs from the volume flow through the outlet section 5b of the first spray tube 5 by the volume flow of the total spray liquid 8 leaving the nozzles 7 of the first spray tube 5.

The series connection of the first and second spray pipes 5, 6 according to the invention has the effect that the flow both through the inlet sections 5a, 6a and the outlet section 5b of the first spray pipe 5 it is so strong that it is deposited in them and avoided between these sections. In addition, the sediments in the region of the nozzles 7 of the second spray tube 6 can be avoided in a normally reliable manner. Only in the end section 6b of the second spray tube 6, the flow of the volume through the second spray tube 6 decreases to such a degree that the sediments can not be reliably avoided. The latter can be formed in particular in the last flow paths between the last nozzle 7a which is reached by the flow and the closed end of the second spray pipe 6 (in figure 1 indicated by the end region 6b). In the pasteurization tunnel 1 according to the invention, in this way only the end section 6b of the second spray tube 6 and / or the respective adjacent nozzle (s) 7 are to be inspected and clean, if required. ', In Figure 1, the region of an access opening 14 is indicated with a removable lid each provided in the second spray tube. The access opening 14 is preferably arranged in such a way that operators can easily enter from outside, for example through flap 15 in the roof region of pasteurization tunnel 1.

The cross section of the duct of the first spray tubes 5 is preferably larger than the cross section of the duct of the second spray tubes 6 (not shown). The cross sections of the first and second spray tubes 5, 6 then coincide in such a way that in both spray tubes 5, 6 essentially the same volume flow prevails. This ensures that in the nozzles 7 of both platforms 2, 3 the same dynamic pressure of the spray liquid 8 prevails. Correspondingly, the nozzles 7 of both platforms 2, 3 can discharge the same pouring amounts of the spray liquid 8. Here, the nozzles 7 of both platforms 2, 3 can have identical designs.

Additionally, the distances 16 between the nozzles 7 of the first spray tube 5 may differ from the distances 17 between the nozzles 7 of the second spray tube 6 (not shown). For example, the distances 16, 17 may differ in such a way that in the second spray tube 6, a nozzle 7 is provided more than in the first spray tube 5. With which, for example, a differential could be compensated for. of geodetic pressure between the spray tubes 5, 6 of the first and second platforms 2, 3. For example, due to the higher number of nozzles 7 in the second spray tube 6, the same amount of spill of the spray liquid 8 could be downloaded as with the lowest number, the first spray tubes 5 despite a total lower geodetic pressure.

The spray tubes 5, 6 preferably have a round cross section. However, in principle polygonal, in particular rectangular, the cross sections would also be conceivable. For the spray pipes 5 of the first platform 2, for example, the cross sections of the duct with a diameter of 55 to 65 mm would be suitable, for the spray pipes 6 of the second platform 3, the cross sections of the duct of a diameter of 43 to 53 mm would be adequate. Preferably, the flow of the average volume in the spray tubes 5, 6 is not greater than 4 m / s, in particular not greater than 3 m / s.

The two-tier mode of the pasteurization tunnel 1 according to the invention indicated in Figure 1 could be supplemented by additional platforms (not shown) which for this purpose have to be arranged between the first lower platform 2 and the second upper platform 3 The corresponding spray pipes will be connected in series by means of the additional connecting pipes 13 between the spray pipes 5, 6 of the first and second platforms 2, 3. Correspondingly, the cross sections of the duct of the respective spray pipes , views in the direction of flow, preferably would have to be designed with cross sections that decrease from platform to platform. Likewise, the distances between the nozzles 7 could, following the example described, be made to coincide between the platforms "2 3 and additionally provide platforms to compensate the differentials of geodesic and / or static pressure.

The direction of the flow indicated in figure 1, for example, with the volume flow V3 with respect to the platforms 2, 3 from the bottom to the top is particularly advantageous in view of a simple inspection and cleaning of the pasteurization tunnel 1. As indicated, the pasteurization tunnel 1 according to the invention can then be easily verified in the roof region of the pasteurization tunnel. 1 . For example, the correct spraying function of the spray tubes 6 arranged at the end of the series connection can be verified in this way. Likewise, the access openings 14 could be easily opened if required, and the pellets in the end sections 6b of the second spray tubes 6 could be removed, if required. However, in general, a flow direction from the top to the bottom with respect to the platforms 2, 3 can also be devised for the proper function of the pasteurization tunnel 1 according to the invention.; Likewise, a series connection of the spray tubes in groups would in principle be conceivable as indicated by way of example in Figure 2 for the first 5 'spray tubes combined in parallel on the outlet side which are connected by means of a common connecting conduit 13 'to two of the second spray tubes 6' combined in parallel on the inlet side. With such serial connections in groups, too, the objective according to the invention can be achieved in such a way that the inspection of the spray and a necessary cleaning optionally it can be restricted essentially to the end sections 6b 'of the second spray tubes 6'. The cross section of the conduit of the common connecting conduit 13 'would then have to be designed correspondingly to be able to provide the required volume flows V2, V4 also in the combined spray pipes 5', 6 '.

For a better view, only the lower conveyor 10 is indicated schematically in Figure 2 and further it is illustrated that according to the invention, several individual series connections 18 can be provided with spray tubes 5, 6 connected together without branches, and / or combined serial connections 18 'with the connecting conduits 13' between the spray tubes 5 ', 6' of different platforms in parallel.

It is possible to work in the following manner with the pasteurization tunnel 1 according to the invention.

A continuous flow of the beverages 4 or similar packages to be pasteurized is distributed in an entrance area (not shown) of the pasteurization tunnel 1 to the two platforms 2, 3 so that the beverage packages 4 can be sprayed with the hot spray liquid 8 in the respective platforms 2, 3 preferably in the same way, therefore, the individual platforms 2, 3 are preferably constructed as equal modules that differ only in view of the arrangement of ducts for the spray liquid 8 A flow of the predetermined volume V1 of the spray liquid 8 is preferably distributed here uniform to all the first spray tubes 5 provided in the pasteurization tunnel 1. The spray liquid 8 is distributed by the first spray tubes 5 that correspond partially to a predetermined pouring amount on the beverage packages 4 that are going to pasteurizing and partially guiding through the first spray tubes 5 to the second spray tubes 6. There, the spray liquid 8 is preferably distributed over the beverage packages 4 in such a way that the latter are sprayed by the same amount of water. It is possible to ensure a uniform product quality even when the product stream is divided in parallel into individual platforms 2, 3.

If required, or with respect to the predetermined maintenance intervals, the end regions 6b of the second spray tubes 6 can be verified, for example, by opening the flaps 15 in the roof region of the pasteurization tunnel 1. If detecting a reduced spray quality, the sediments presented in the second spray tubes 6 can be removed through the access openings 14. In this way, a required product quality can be ensured by less maintenance efforts compared to the prior art. Likewise, the inactivity times for the inspection and cleaning of the pasteurization tunnel 1 according to the invention can be reduced in comparison with the prior art. In addition, the maintenance of the pasteurization tunnel 1 according to the invention can be improved in view of Occupational safety and accessibility of the parts of the plant that will be inspected at regular intervals.

Claims (15)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1. Pasteurization tunnel (1) for pasteurizing beverage packaging (4) or similar, with at least one first and second platforms (2, 3) that are placed one above the other and each one comprises a conveyor (10, 11) for the beverage containers and spray tubes (5, 6) with nozzles (7) for spraying the beverage packages that extend transversely to the conveying direction (9) of the conveyors, wherein the spray tubes (5) of the first platform (2) are connected by means of a series connection with spray tubes (6) of the second platform (3) to guide a spray liquid (8) through the first platform towards the second platform. 2. The pasteurization tunnel according to claim 1, further characterized in that the cross section of the duct of the spray tubes (5, 6) connected in series is larger in the first platform (2) than in the second platform (3) . 3. The pasteurization tunnel according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized in that several serial connections (18, 18 ') are provided along the transport direction (9), in particular in such a way that exactly one tube of spray (5) each of the first platform (2) is connected with exactly one tube of Aspersion (6) of the second platform (3). 4. The pasteurization tunnel according to at least one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the second platform (3) is placed above the first platform (2). 5. The pasteurization tunnel according to at least one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the number of nozzles (7) per spray tube (5, 6) is greater in the respective upper platform (3) than in the respective lower platform (2). 6. The pasteurization tunnel according to at least one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the number of nozzles (7) per spray tube (5) provided on the first platform (2) differs from the number of nozzles (7) per tube of spray (6) provided in the second platform (3) and / or the distances (16, 17) between the nozzles (7) of the first and second platforms (2, 3) differ from each other to compensate for a differential of geodetic pressure between the first and second platforms, in particular such that the amount of spillage of the spray liquid (8) each discharged from the individual spray tubes (5, 6) does not deviate from an average value of the amount of spillage in all spray tubes by more than 10%, in particular by more than 5%. 7. The pasteurization tunnel according to at least one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it also has at least one inspection port (15) provided in the region of the second platform (3) for visual inspection of spray. 8. The pasteurization tunnel according to at least one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the spray tubes (6) of the second platform (3) comprise, at its rear end (6b) seen in the direction of flow, an opening access (14) accessible from outside, in particular downwardly from the last nozzle (7a) that the flow will reach in the last flow path. 9. The pasteurization tunnel according to at least one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it also has at least one additional platform placed between the first and second platforms (2, 3) whose spray tubes are inserted in series. 10. Method for pasteurizing beverage packaging (4) or the like, wherein the beverage packaging is transported on at least two platforms (2, 3) that are one on top of the other and sprayed from the spray tubes (5, 6) each one spread transversely to the transport direction (9) of the beverage packaging with a hot spray liquid (8), wherein the spray liquid is guided through the spray tubes of a platform in the spray tubes of the other platform. The method according to claim 10, further characterized in that the average flow rate in the spray pipes (5, 6) is not greater than 5m / s, in particular not greater than 4m / s. 12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, further characterized in that the average flow rate in the spray pipes (5, 6) between the platforms (2, 3) does not differ by more than 20%, in particular by not more than 10%. 13. The method according to at least one of claims 10 to 12, further characterized in that in addition the cross sections of the spray tubes (5, 6) are adapted to coincide with the respective dynamic pressures caused by the spray liquid (8) in the nozzles (7) of different platforms (2, 3). 14. The method according to at least one of claims 10 to 13, further characterized by the number of nozzles (7) provided by the spray tube (5, 6) and / or the distances (16, 17) between the nozzles ( 7) of the individual spray tubes (5, 6) between the different platforms (2, 3) are made to coincide to compensate for the differences between the static and / or dynamic geodetic pressures in the spray tubes of the different platforms caused by the liquidated aspersion (8). 15. The method according to at least one of claims 10 to 14, further characterized in that the beverage packs (4) pass through the platforms (2, 3) as parallel partial product streams.